Or Paul and I met Kurt and Carol of Wine About Virginia at Muse Vineyards. Anyway, Paul and I put Muse Vineyards on our list of wineries to visit this year. We have enjoyed their wines at tasting events, and a bottle of the 2010 Clio is somewhere on the wine rack still taking a snooze. Kurt and Carol invited us to join them in late June for a tasting at the winery, and we could not refuse the offer!
Muse Vineyards is located in Woodstock, and the setting is classic Virginia wine country. The tasting room offers mountain views through windows that allow the interior to shine with sunlight. We were fortunate to make the trip out to Muse after weeks of rainfall, and this day was warm and sunny. Our tasting began with white wines, of course, and the first offering also ended up being one of my favorites of the day—-the Erato 2017. This crisp blend include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscat. The result is an aromatic wine that offered floral notes and citrus elements destined to please anyone on a summer day. Rhone varieties shined brightly in the Thalia 2016, a mix of Roussanne, Marsanne, and Viognier. In fact, Thalia 2016 is one reason why I am becoming more intrigued with the ability of certain microclimates in Virginia to produce quality wine from Rhone grapes. It presented citrus notes and a full palate to complement rustic fare such as roasted chicken or pork.
We were eager to experience the Clio blends or the Bordeaux-style wines that have earned accolades for Muse Vineyards; in fact, the 2009 vintage was the winner of the 2015 Governor’s Cup in Virginia. Our merry band of bloggers tasted the 2013 and 2014 vintages and were not disappointed. Of the two, the 2013 seemed more accessible with aromas of smoke, tobacco, blackberry and black tea. Blackberry, cherry, licorice on the palate gave way to a lingering finish. Enjoy now; however, we did decant this one for a short time before serving with a beef dish. The 2014 vintage presented aromas of seed berries and dried herbs with juicy blackberry and black raspberry flavors in the mouth. Its finish was a bit tighter than its older sibling, so buy now and enjoy later! Oh, why the different profiles if both are Clio blends? The 2013 blend leads with equal amounts Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Cabernet Franc (30%) followed by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The 2014? Cabernet Franc (50%), Petit Verdot (20%) and 10% each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec.
Muse Vineyards produces wines from estate grown grapes, and these include Gamay—-yes, Gamay of Beaujolais fame. In fact, the Rose 2017 is created from free run Gamay grapes. It proved to be lovely with bright berry notes and a crisp mouth feel.
The four of us completed our visit to Muse Vineyards by sharing a bottle of the Thalia 2016 with a food tray that included cheeses and a baguette. We appreciated the unique artwork created by local artists that graced the earth-toned walls of the winery. Of course, we all left the winery with favorites from our tasting experience, and I know that Paul and I will return sooner rather than later to Muse Vineyards. In the meantime, make your own trip to Muse Vineyards to taste their excellent wines. Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!